The Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs played game 1 of a 3 game series today at Wrigley Field in Chicago with the Astros winning 4-3 behind 6.2 strong innings of 2 run work by Chris Sampson.  These last 2 outings by Sampson and Chacon have been really impressive for our #4 and 5 starters.  Sampson who didn't win a position in the rotation until the Saturday before the season, might not have been in the rotation if Woody Williams wasn't terrible this spring.  That's over with, and Sampson is in; and if he keeps pitching like this... he'll stay in.  The only bad thing about Sampson's outing today, is that he got a no decision, which was picked up by Wright who finished off the 7th for Sampson by getting the last out. 

The offense was just okay today with Towles hitting his 1st home run of the season and Tejada going 2-4 with a double and a triple.  I'd like to see more hits from the team(as well as more runs).  The Astros were actually out hit today by the Cubbies 9-5. 

I can't say that I've been too impressed with Valverde thus far.  Two straight games with giving up runs in both.  Luckily he's been saved by the offense in both games and actually has a win(albeit a cheap win) and a save in his 2 outings this year.  He needs to start having scoreless outings if he expects to be anything close to an elite closer.  I know I'm past sick and tired of seeing the Astros closers giving up dingers in the 9th, and Valverde did just that today.  Oh well, a win is a win, and if the Astros win every time that Valverde gives up a home run... then he can give one up every game.

Next up, the Astros take on the Cubs again for game 2 of the series, tomorrow at 12:05 PM CDT as Roy Oswalt takes on Jason Marquis.  Oswalt is 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA and Jason Marquis has yet to make an appearance this season.